Virtual reality in cardiopulmonary resuscitation training: a randomized trial

Objective. To assess the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. Methods. Experimental, analytic, cross-sectional study of a CPR training method using VR. Participants were randomly assigned to train in a control group or a VR group. Results. The mean (SD) scores on a scale of 10 after training were 9.28 (0.91) in the VR group and 7.78 (1.63) in the control group, for a mean difference of 1.49 (95% CI, 0.96-2.02; P<.001). The VR group achieved a mean of 97.5 (9.7) compressions/min, versus 80.9 (7.7) compressions/min in the control group, for a mean difference of 16.6 compressions/min (95% CI, 15.0-18.2; P=.003). The mean compression depth in the VR group was 34.0 (6.5) mm, versus 27.9 (4.9) mm in the control group, for a mean difference of 6.7 (95% CI, 5.7-7.8; P<.001). Conclusion. Training with VR can improve CPR theoretical knowledge and practical skills.